Business English-5 - Hear Hear!

Sources: Australianetwork.com

In this episode we look at how to keep to the point in meetings. You can watch the video or just listen to the audio.

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TAN: Well, I'm not convinced that the work is as urgent as this report suggests, so perhaps we should…

LIN: Oh come on - the building is practically falling down!

DENISE: Sorry Lin - I don't think Tan had finished. We'll get to you in a minute.

LIN: Sorry.

TAN: As I was saying, perhaps we should get a second opinion before we spend any money.

DENISE: Thankyou Tan. What's your opinion Walter?

WALTER: Well, as far as I'm concerned, it's a question of safety. So I think we should go ahead.

TAN: Are you suggesting that someone could get hurt?

WALTER: In my opinion, yes. If you ask me, there is a serious risk of an accident. And it's not a recent problem…

TAN: Are you implying we should have done something earlier?

WALTER: Much earlier. It's a real concern.

LIN: Hear hear!

TAN: In that case, I agree - we should do something now.

JOHN: I think so too.

DENISE: Thankyou Walter. Well, if there's no…

BARBARA: Excuse me Madame Chairperson.

DENISE: Yes Barbara.

BARBARA: What about the problem with parking? There were no places again this morning.

WALTER: Maybe if you got to work on time…

DENISE: All comments through the chair if you don't mind Walter. Parking isn't on the agenda for this meeting - perhaps you could suggest it for our next meeting Barbara. Well, if there's no more discussion - we'll put it it to a vote.

JOHN: Hear hear!
Today we're looking again at meetings. In meetings, especially formal meetings, it's important to keep the discussion relevant, and to the point. So we're looking at some words and phrases that a Chairperson might use to stop irrelevant discussion and interruptions. We're also looking at ways of stating an opinion, and agreeing or disagreeing.

First of all - notice how Tan states that he doesn't agree with the report.

Well, I'm not convinced that the work is as urgent as this report suggests.

Tan says 'I'm not convinced.' He means he disagrees with the report. But by saying he's 'not convinced' - he is leaving himself open to another point of view.

Let's look at some phrases you can use to express disagreement.

I'm afraid I'm not convinced.

I don't entirely agree.

I'm not sure about that.

I can't agree with you there.

I don't think that's quite correct.

Notice that all of these ways of disagreeing are polite. If you use stronger terms of disagreement - it can sound rude, or argumentative.

Well, I'm not convinced that the work is as urgent as this report suggests, so perhaps...

Don't be ridiculous!

Excuse me?

When disagreeing, the speaker normally also gives a reason for their opinion, and may use an expression showing that it is their opinion. Listen to Walter.

Well, as far as I'm concerned, it's a question of safety. So I think we should go ahead.

Are you suggesting that someone could get hurt?

In my opinion, yes.

Let's practise some phrases you can use to introduce your opinion about something.

In my opinion...

As far as I’m concerned...

If you ask me...

The way I see it is this...

And of course you can simply state ‘I think…’ or ‘I believe’...

Notice that Tan asks for clarification of the point Walter makes. He wants to make sure he understands what Walter is saying.

Let’s look at some ways of seeking clarification, and checking understanding. Practise these with Tan.

Are you suggesting that someone could get hurt?

Are you saying that someone could get hurt?

Do you mean someone could get hurt?

Are you implying that someone could get hurt?

One of the roles of the Chairperson is to make sure everyone gets to have their say. All discussion should go through the chair - that is, people talk to the Chairperson, not to each other directly. So the Chairperson sometimes has to interrupt, or stop someone from speaking. Let's see how Denise does this.

Well, I'm not convinced that the work is as urgent as this report suggests, so perhaps...

Oh come on - the building is practically falling down!

Sorry Lin - I don't think Tan had finished. We'll get to you in a minute.

Sorry.

By saying 'I don't think Tan had finished', Denise is politely telling Lin that she shouldn't interrupt, and Lin apologises. But what should you do if someone keeps trying to interrupt?

So perhaps...

Oh come on - the building is practically falling down!

Sorry Lin - I don't think Tan had finished. We'll get to you in a minute.

Well it's obvious...

Yes, but we do need to hear everyone's views on this...

Let's just vote on it

All in good time Lin. Please go on Tan...

Notice that the language the chairperson uses is always polite, but firm. She uses 'sorry' 'thankyou' and 'please' as a way of respecting the other members of the committee - although she is in charge.

On the other hand, there is a time factor - it may be necessary to cut people short.
...and furthermore, if we look more closely at some of the estimates, we can see...

Excuse me - sorry Tan, perhaps we should move on.

I'm nearly finished.

Yes but we do have to keep an eye on the time. Perhaps we can come back to that point later.

I think it's quite important.

It is important, but I think it's more important we hear everyone's views on this. Barbara?
There were two key phrases used to stop Tan from sending everyone to sleep. The first one - 'perhaps we should move on' is phrased as a suggestion - but it is said in a firm way - with a falling intonation at the end.

Practise with me:

'Perhaps we should move on.'
Perhaps we should move on.

This falling intonation makes it a more definite statement, rather than a suggestion.

The second one was put as a reason for moving on - that time is short - notice the emphasis on the word 'do', and practise after me:

'We do have to keep an eye on the time.'
We do have to keep an eye on the time.

Remember we said the discussion has to be relevant. What do we do if someone makes an irrelevant comment?

What about the problem with parking. There were no places again this morning.

Maybe if you got to work on time...

All comments through the chair if you don't mind Walter. Parking isn't on the agenda for this meeting - perhaps you could suggest it for our next meeting Barbara.

When Walter makes a comment directly to Barbara, Denise says:

'All comments through the Chair if you don't mind'. This is a way of reminding Walter of correct meeting procedure. 'All comments through the chair' means he must speak to the meeting, not directly to one person at the table. Denise suggests that 'Parking isn't on the agenda for this meeting'. But so that Barbara doesn't feel bad - she suggests it could be discussed at another time.

Finally - we've looked at disagreeing, let's look at ways of agreeing with a point.
Are you implying we should have done something earlier?

Much earlier. It's a real concern.

Hear hear!

Well, in that case, I agree - we should do something now.

I think so too.

Agreeing is simpler than disagreeing, as you don't have to state a reason. Repeat these phrases after me:

I agree
I agree
In that case, I agree.
In that case, I agree.
I'll go along with you.
I'll go along with you.
I couldn't agree more.
I couldn't agree more.
That's right.
That's right.
I concur.
I concur.
Absolutely!
Absolutely!

Let's review some of the other important expressions we've looked at in today's episode.

I'm afraid I'm not convinced.

Are you suggesting that someone could get hurt?

I can't quite agree with you there.

As far as I'm concerned, it's a question of safety.

Perhaps we should move on.

We do have to keep an eye on the time.

When giving opinions in a meeting, it's important to use phrases such as 'in my opinion'; 'From my point of view' or 'I think' - instead of just stating your opinions as facts. This is respectful of other people who may have different views.

But when you strongly agree with something someone else says - you can say 'Hear Hear!'

That's all for today - see you next time on The Business of English.

Business English -4 - Any Other Business

Sources: Australianetwork.com

Episode 4 - Any Other Business


In this episode we look at how to chair a meeting. You can watch the video or just listen to the audio.

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DENISE: Has everybody got a copy of the agenda?
Would you mind taking minutes John?

JOHN: Not at all.

DENISE: Good. Well, then let’s get started.

First of all, thankyou everyone for attending at short notice.
As you know, the objective of this meeting of the Capital Works Committee is to discuss a proposal for some urgent building work at our Southside plant. As we’ve got to reach a decision which may involve spending, we’ll run it as a formal meeting.
Now, you’ve read the proposal, so without further ado, I’d like to open it up for discussion.
Perhaps if we can start with you Tan – what’s your view?

TAN: Well, I’m not convinced that the work is as urgent as this report suggests, so perhaps we should…

DENISE: So, to sum up – I think we are all aware that some urgent work does need to be done, and we will need to work on a longer term plan for a major refit.

Well, if there’s no more discussion – we’ll put it to a vote. We’re recommending that tenders be called for the urgent work needed. All those in favour?

All those against?

Then that’s agreed.. Any other business?
Then we’ll close the meeting. Thankyou everyone. The next meeting will be in two weeks, at the same time…
Meetings. We love them or hate them – but we have to have them. Of course there are many different kinds of meetings –from an informal chat, to a Board meeting, or even an Annual General Meeting – and some are more formal than others – and so the language used in them changes.

Today we’re looking at a more formal meeting – and in particular at the role of the chairperson – or the person who runs the meeting.

Our Chairperson is Denise. Let’s look at how she starts things off.

Has everybody got a copy of the agenda?

Would you mind taking minutes John?

Not at all.

Good. Well, then let’s get started.

Denise first makes sure everyone has an agenda – or a list of the items to be discussed at the meeting.

Then she asks someone to take minutes – or keep a record of the meeting. Then she announces the start of the meeting – she officially begins it.

Let’s practise some useful phrases for these three purposes…

Has everybody got a copy of the agenda?

Does everyone have an agenda?

Everybody should have received an agenda.

Would you mind taking minutes John?

Could somebody take the minutes please?

Well, then let’s get started.

What does the chairperson do after formally beginning the meeting?
First of all, thankyou everyone for attending at short notice. As you know, we needed to convene this meeting of the Capital Works committee to discuss a proposal for some urgent building work at our Southside plant. As we’ve got to reach a decision which may involve spending, we’ll run it as a formal meeting.

Now, you’ve all read the proposal, so without further ado, I’d like to open it up for discussion.
Did you notice the different parts of that introduction by the chairperson?

First, she thanked people for attending the meeting. Even though it may be their job – it’s good practice to thank people for attending.

First of all, thankyou everyone for attending at short notice.

Next, Denise states the objective of the meeting. Of course a meeting may have more than one objective, but often meetings have one main objective, or aim.

The Chair should state the objective of the meeting. In this case it is to discuss a proposal, and to reach a decision. A proposal is simply a more formal word for a suggestion – but it is usually a detailed suggestion, in a written form.

Let’s look at some different ways of stating the objective of a meeting…
The objective of today’s meeting is to discuss the proposal…

We’re here today to discuss a proposal…

The purpose of our meeting today is to discuss the following proposal…

The next job of the chair is to invite discussion. Let’s look at how Denise does this…

Now, you’ve all read the proposal, so without further ado, I’d like to open it up for discussion.

Perhaps if we can start with you Tan – what’s your view?

Denise says ‘without further ado, I’d like to open it up for discussion’.

‘Without further ado’ just means without any more procedure. We’re going to discuss it straight away. Then she says ‘I’d like to open it up for discussion.’ ‘it’ refers to the proposal she has just outlined.

Try repeating this phrase after me:

‘Let’s open it up for discussion.’
Let’s open it up for discussion

Okay – now, you can open a topic for general discussion – which means anyone can have a say. The Chairperson controls the discussion. Or, the Chairperson may invite particular people to speak. This is what Denise does – watch again…

Perhaps if we can start with you Tan – what’s your view?

Denise invites Tan to start the discussion. Let’s practise a few phrases for asking someone to speak…

Who’d like to start the discussion?

What’s your view Tan?

Let’s hear from Tan.

Do you have a view on this Tan?

Another job for the Chair is to summarise the discussion – that is, concisely state the main points made during the meeting.
So, to sum up – I think we are all aware that some urgent work does need to be done, and we will need to work on a longer term plan for a major refit.
Denise summarises the main points from the discussion. To introduce this she could use various phrases – practise these:

To sum up…

In summary…

So the main points are…

The outcome of a meeting might be a suggestion for an action. Depending on what kind of meeting it is, this could be called a motion, or a recommendation. In our example, Denise puts the recommendation of the meeting to a vote.
Well, if there’s no more discussion – let’s put the recommendation to a vote. We’re recommending tenders be called for the urgent work needed. All those in agreement?

Anyone against?

Then that’s agreed.. Any other business?

Then we’ll close the meeting. Thankyou everyone. The next meeting will be in two weeks, at the same time.

Notice how Denise controls the meeting – she doesn’t say ‘Is there any more discussion?’ She says ‘If there’s no more discussion we’ll put it to a vote.’ She is controlling the meeting by moving on. She then reiterates, or re-states the recommendation and calls for votes by saying ‘All those in favour’ – that is those who agree, and ‘All those against’. Votes are only taken in a formal meeting procedure – in a less formal procedure, a decision can be taken by consensus – by everyone agreeing during the discussion.

Notice that after the vote, Denise says ‘Then that’s agreed.’ A meeting agrees, or doesn’t agree to a recommendation. If it’s a more formal motion – we say the motion is ‘carried’ or ‘not carried’.

Often at the end of the meeting a chairperson will call for ‘any other business’, before they officially announce the meeting is closed, and announce the time for the next meeting.

Business English-3 - Getting Acquainted

Sources: Australianetwork.com


In this episode we look at the things you can say to someone you've just met.

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WAITER: Another drink sir?

WALTER: No thankyou.

SUE: Excuse me - is anyone sitting here?

WALTER: No - please have a seat.

SUE: That's better - my feet are killing me!

WALTER: Have you been here long?

SUE: No, but I just flew in this morning, and I haven't had a chance to sit down since then.

WALTER: Oh, where have you come from?

SUE: From Manila.

WALTER: Is this your first visit to Australia?

SUE: No, I have been once before, but it was a long time ago.

WALTER: And have you been to Sydney before?

SUE: No, it's an amazing city.

WALTER: Yes, it has its points. But you're lucky to live in Manila. It's a fascinating city.

SUE: What about yourself? Do you live in Sydney?

WALTER: No, I live in Melbourne. I'm just here for the conference.

SUE: I'm going to Melbourne later. What's the weather like there?

WALTER: Not too good in winter, but at the moment it should be okay.

So, how's your hotel?

SUE: It's good. Very convenient - just near the harbour.

WALTER: Have you seen the Opera House yet?

SUE: Yes, we flew right over it!

WALTER: Excuse me - there's someone I must talk to. (stands) It's been very nice to meet you. I'm Walter by the way.

SUE: You too. I'm Sue. Perhaps we'll meet later.

WALTER: I hope so.
Today we're looking at a typical conversation you might have with someone you've only just met – at a conference for example. What sort of thing can you talk about – and what topics should be avoided? Let's look at how Walter and Sue get acquainted.
Sue breaks the ice – or starts the conversation.

Excuse me – is anyone sitting here?
No – please have a seat.

That’s better – my feet are killing me!

We can tell from how Sue speaks to Walter, that they haven’t met before. She is very polite, and so is he. But then she says something more personal, and this is the ‘icebreaker’.
That’s better. My feet are killing me.
Sue is letting Walter know two things – firstly – that she is tired, and secondly that she is willing to have a friendly conversation with him. By making a more personal, or casual remark, she is inviting him to respond.

Have you been here long?

No, but I just flew in this morning, and I haven’t had a chance to sit down since then.

Walter asks ‘Have you been here long?’

To start a conversation like this, it’s fairly safe to talk about what people have just done.

For this, we use the present perfect –‘have’. Practise with Walter some typical questions like this you could ask.

Have you been here long?

Have you been to Sydney before?

Have you seen the Opera House?

Have you tried any restaurants?

Questions that start with ‘have you’ are yes/no questions, so they have a rising tone:

Have you been here long?

When answering these questions in a situation like this it is helpful to add some information, not just say yes or no.

If you just say ‘yes’ or ‘no’, people may think you don’t really want to talk.

Have you been here long?

No.

Oh.

Instead – notice how Sue helps the conversation along by giving some extra information.

Have you been here long?

No, but I just flew in this morning, and I haven’t had a chance to sit down since then.

Oh, where have you come from?

Sue has said that she flew in this morning. So this gives Walter an obvious next question.

‘Where have you come from.’

This is a different type of question – it’s asking for information.

Questions beginning with ‘where’, ‘when’, ‘what’, ‘why’, ‘who’ are all questions asking for information. Notice the difference between ‘Where have you come from?’ – meaning where did you fly from, and ‘Where are you from?’ – meaning what is your nationality.

Notice also the falling tone with these questions: ‘Where have you come from?’

This makes the question sound friendly. But be careful not to ask too many questions like this all together – the other person may think you’re being too nosy.

Where are you from?

Manila.

What do you do?

I’m an accountant.

Why are you here?

I’m on business.

Who are you with?

My boss. Excuse me.

Where are you going?

Of course – some questions like this are alright – but try not to sound too inquisitive – and offer some information or ideas yourself.

Is this your first visit to Australia?

No, I have been once before, but it was a long time ago.

And have you been to Sydney before?

No, it’s an amazing city.

Yes, it has its points. But you’re lucky to live in Manila. It’s a fascinating city.
Sue doesn’t just answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ – she adds some extra information. And Walter finds the opportunity to give his opinion, and to compliment the place Sue comes from. Now it’s Sue’s turn to ask a question.

What about yourself? Do you live in Sydney?

No, I live in Melbourne. I’m just here for the conference.

Sue wants to ask Walter about himself – this is showing interest. So she says ‘What about yourself?’

Practise some useful phrases to introduce a question.

And what about yourself?

And how about you?

These phrases should be followed by a question. Practise again, with the question to follow.

And what about yourself? Do you live in Sydney?

And how about you? Have you been here before?

When meeting someone new on business, but in a social setting – there are a few safe topics – we can talk about travel and accommodation, basic questions about the other person, about the city you are in, interesting sights to see, and of course, the weather.

I’m going to Melbourne later. What’s the weather like there?

Not too good in winter, but at the moment it should be okay.

Finally, let’s look at how Walter ends the conversation. He needs to make sure the other person doesn’t think he is bored.

Excuse me – there’s someone I must talk to. It’s been very nice to meet you.

You too. Perhaps we’ll meet later.

I hope so.

He gives a reason why he must go, then says ‘It’s been very nice to meet you.’ Practise some useful phrases for ending a conversation, with Walter and Sue.

Well, it’s been very nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you too.

It’s been good to meet you.

You too.

I have enjoyed talking to you.

So have I.

I hope we can meet again.

So do I.

Perhaps we’ll meet again.

I hope so.

In conversation, when asking questions remember to use a rising tone for yes/no questions – such as those starting with ‘do you’ or ‘are you.’

Questions starting with ‘Do you’ ask about regular actions, and about likes and dislikes, or opinions:

‘Do you travel often?’

‘Do you like the weather here?’

‘Do you think this session will be interesting?’

Questions starting with ‘Are you’ are asking for personal information:

‘Are you from Manila?’
or intentions:
‘Are you going to the dinner?’

Questions starting with where, when, what, why or who are asking for information, and they often have a falling tone:

‘Where do you come from?’
‘When are you going back?’

People from different cultures have different ideas about what are reasonable topics for conversation between strangers – so at first, it is safest to stick to general topics – such as travel, the weather, places, and of course the business you are in.

And remember, to keep the conversation going – offer information, don’t just ask questions.

That’s all today on the Business of English. See you next time.

Business English -2 - Why don't you join us?

Sources: Australianetwork.com

In this episode you can learn how to make, accept and refuse invitations in a business setting.

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VICTOR: Well, it's been good to meet you Sam, and very interesting to hear about your business.

SAM: Look, we are having a small dinner for some of our clients and friends after this. Why don't you join us?

VICTOR: That's very kind of you. I'll just check with my associate whether they have other arrangements for us.

SAM: Your associate is most welcome to join us too.

VICTOR: Thankyou - excuse me.

WALTER: This is Sam Eriks from Eriks imports. He has very kindly invited us to a dinner.

SAM: Yes, would you like to join us?

WALTER: Unfortunately I have another engagement, but thankyou for the invitation.

SAM: Well, perhaps you could join us after that for a drink?

WALTER: Sounds great. I'd be happy to. Where shall we meet?

SAM: How about the lounge bar here. At about ten?

WALTER: I'll see you then. Excuse me…

SAM: Lin. Victor's joining us for dinner.

LIN: Oh wonderful.

VICTOR: I hope you don't mind.

LIN: Of course not, you're most welcome.

SAM: Well, shall we make a move?

LIN: Would you mind if I just say goodbye to a few people?

SAM: No problem - we'll see you outside in a few minutes.

LIN: Okay.

Let's look at invitations. How do you go about inviting someone to something. How does Sam invite Victor to his dinner?

Look, we're having a small dinner for some of our clients and friends after this. Why don't you join us?

Spoken invitations in this kind of situation are semi-formal. It's more like a suggestion than a formal invitation. There are a few different phrases you can use. Practise them with Sam.

Why don't you join us?

Perhaps you could join us?

It would be great if you could join us.

Would you like to join us?

Notice that even though 'It would be great if you could join us' is not in a question form – it is still being used as a question. Notice also how we use 'could' and 'would' in polite invitations, not 'can' or 'will'. How does Victor reply?

That’s very kind of you.

He says ‘ That’s very kind of you.’

When replying to an invitation, first thank the other person for the invitation, then give your answer. Here’s Victor with some different ways of doing this…

Thankyou.

That’s very kind of you.

That sounds good.

And you can put them all together, like this…

Thankyou.
That’s very kind of you.
Sounds good.

After thanking the person who asked, you need to give an answer, either accept the invitation, or don’t accept the invitation, or give a reason why you can’t answer. What does Victor do?

That’s very kind of you. I’ll just check with my associate whether they have other arrangements for us.

Victor says he has to check with someone else. If there are other arrangements, Victor would make an excuse. When refusing an invitation, you should give a reason. Look at this…

Sam: Would you like to join us?

Victor: No thanks.

Sam: Oh – right.

It’s rude just to say no without a reason, and the reason should be a good one. Look again.

Sam: Would you like to join us?

Victor: No thanks, it doesn’t sound very interesting.

Sam: Oh.

Sam would rightly be offended by that reply.

So what are some ways of making a polite excuse? Listen to Walter.

Yes, would you like to join us?

Unfortunately I have another engagement, but thankyou for the invitation.

Walter doesn’t need to say what his other engagement, or appointment is – just that he has already made another commitment. Notice that he still thanks Sam for the invitation. Practise with Walter some other ways of making an excuse…

Unfortunately I have another engagement.

I’m afraid I have another commitment.

I can’t I’m sorry. Perhaps another time?

By saying ‘Perhaps another time’, Walter is being polite and friendly, rather than just declining the invitation. Notice that he says ‘I can’t’. This implies that he has another commitment, without having to say what that commitment is. This is acceptable in business.

Sam and Walter make another arrangement. Watch how they do this.

Perhaps you can join us after that for a drink?

That sounds great. I’d be happy to. Where shall we meet?

How about the lounge bar here. About ten?

I’ll see you then.

Sam says ‘Perhaps you could join us after that for a drink?’

By saying ‘perhaps’ he is leaving the invitation open. Walter is under no pressure to accept. Practise these phrases using ‘perhaps’ with Sam.

Perhaps you’d like to join us later?

Perhaps you’d be interested in meeting us for breakfast?

Perhaps we could meet later in the week?

Notice that Sam says ‘you’d’. Perhaps ‘you’d like to join us later’
You’d is short for ‘you would’.

Walter accepts and they make the arrangement. Notice the slightly less formal way Walter accepts.

That sounds great. I’d be happy to. Where shall we meet?

You can use these simple phrases to accept an invitation. Practise them.

That sounds great.

Sounds good.

I’d love to.

I’d be happy to.

Walter says ‘Where shall we meet?’ You can use ‘shall’ or ‘will’, but ‘shall we’ is a common usage in questions, simply because it is easier to say than ‘will we’. ‘Shall’ is also used when asking for, or making suggestions. Let’s look at how Sam makes the arrangement…

How about the lounge bar here. At about ten?

I’ll see you then.

By asking ‘Where shall we meet?’, Walter is leaving the details of the arrangement up to Sam. Sam gives a place and a time, but because this is an informal meeting, he doesn’t make it sound like an appointment.

He says ‘how about the lounge bar’?

‘How about’ invites the other person to say if it is not convenient.

And he says ‘At about ten?’ as a question. This also leaves room for the other person to suggest a different time. Practise these two phrases with Sam. Listen carefully to Sam’s voice, and whether he uses a rising or falling tone.

How about the lounge bar here.

About ten?

Walter confirms the arrangement by saying ‘I’ll see you then.’ This is now a definite commitment, and an end to the arrangement. Notice how the stress is on the word ‘then’ – to confirm that the time is definite. Try saying this : ‘Ill see you then.’

Let’s have a look now at the end of the scene. There are some more useful phrases…

Lin. Mr Tang is joining us for dinner.

Oh wonderful.

I hope you don’t mind.

Of course not, you’re most welcome.

Sam: Well, shall we make a move?

Would you mind if I just say goodbye to a few people?

No problem – we’ll see you outside in a few minutes. Okay…

Victor says ‘I hope you don’t mind’. It’s a polite way of asking for someone else’s approval – but Lin can’t really say no, since Victor is listening. But Lin politely confirms the arrangement. Practise how she does this…

Of course not.

You’re most welcome.

What are the main points we’ve learned today.

When inviting someone informally, make it sound like a suggestion. That way, if someone can’t accept, they don’t feel so bad. ‘Why don’t you join us?’ instead of ‘I invite you to join us.’

And if you need to make an excuse, don’t just refuse an invitation – give a reason, and apologise. ‘I’m sorry, I have another commitment.’ When confirming details, use an upward inflection. ‘About ten.’ – sounds like an order. But ‘about ten?’ is asking whether it’s convenient for the other person.

That’s all for today on the Business of English. See you next time.

Business English-1 - Pleased to Meet You

source: http://australianetwork.com

In this episode you can learn how to make introductions in a business setting.

(download)

Waiter hands drink to Victor.

VICTOR: Thankyou very much

SAM: Hello, I don’t think we’ve met. Sam Eriks.

VICTOR: Victor Tang. Pleased to meet you.

SAM: And what company are you from Mr Tang?

VICTOR: OceanWide. I’m the sales representative for this region.

SAM: Ah yes. I know your company. Your business is expanding very rapidly at the moment.

VICTOR: Yes, we’re doing quite well. And yourself? Who do you work for?

SAM: Actually I work for myself. I’m the C.E.O. of a small export and packaging company. We specialise in seafood.

VICTOR: It’s a growing market.

SAM: Yes, but a very competitive one Mr Tang.

VICTOR: Please call me Victor.

SAM: Sam. Victor, let me introduce you to someone. Lin – this is Victor Tang – he’s the regional rep. for OceanWide. This is Lin Chan, my sales manager.

LIN: How do you do Mr Tang?

VICTOR: I’m very well thankyou. Nice to meet you Ms Chan.

LIN: And you.

VICTOR: Can I get you another drink?

LIN: Thankyou.

Let's look at introductions. First – how did Sam introduce himself to Victor – who he didn't know?

Hello, I dont think we've met.
Sam Eriks.

Victor Tang.
Pleased to meet you.

Sam said hello. We can say hello in most situations. He also said I don't think we've met. This is a good phrase to use if you want to meet someone new. Practise saying Hello, I don't think we've met, and then say your name.

Hello. I don't think we've met…
(your name)
Victor Tang.
Pleased to meet you.

Victor replied by saying his name and pleased to meet you. Pleased to meet you is a good formal greeting for most situations. After Sam introduces himself, say your name, and 'pleased to meet you'.

Hello, I don't think we've met.
Sam Eriks.
(your name)
Pleased to meet you.

And the Western tradition is to shake hands when you meet someone. Usually, when we first meet someone in a business situation, we want to find out what they do - what their job, or position is. Let's see how Victor and Sam do this.

And what company are you from Mr Tang?

OceanWide. I'm the sales representative for this region.
Ah yes. I know your company.
Your business is expanding very rapidly at the moment.

Yes, we're doing quite well.
And yourself? Who do you work for?

Actually I work for myself. I'm the C.E.O. of a small export and packaging company. We specialise in seafood.

Sam asks and what company are you from? There are a few different ways you could ask this question: Let's try some of them:

What company are you from?

Which company do you represent?

What's your line of business?

Now you try answering Sam's question with your own answer, saying what company you are from...
And what company are you from?

I'm from ......
Ah yes, I know that company.

And you can be more specific by asking about someone's job. Practise these...

And what's your position there?

And what do you do there?

Position means the same as job, but it's a more formal term. Listen to how both Sam and Victor describe their positions:

I'm the sales representative for this region.

I'm the C.E.O. of a small export and packaging company.

We describe our job by saying I am or I'm and then naming the position. Notice that Sam says he is the C.E.O. or Chief Executive Officer of his company. When someone asks who you work for, it can be useful to also tell them what your job is. When meeting someone, it helps them if you offer information before they ask. This makes the conversation more relaxed. Now Sam is going to ask you who you work for and what your position is - answer his questions with your own answers:

And what company are you from?
I’m from ......
Ah yes, I know that company.
And what’s your position there?
I’m the ......
Oh really. That's interesting.

Now, the business of names. Should we use formal titles, such as Mr, Mrs or Ms, or should we use informal, more familiar names. Let's see how Victor solves this problem:

It's a growing market.

Yes, but a very competitive one Mr Tang.

Please call me Victor.

Sam.

Sam uses Victor's formal title - Mr Tang. But Victor says Please call me Victor. Now that they have met, it's more comfortable for them to use each other's first names - at least in this less formal situation. Practise saying Please call me, and your first name after Sam's statement.

Yes, but a very competitive one Mr Tang.
Please call me ......

Sam introduces Victor to someone else. Let's watch how he does this.

Victor, let me introduce you to someone.

Lin - this is Victor Tang - he's the regional rep. for OceanWide.

This is Lin Chan, my sales manager.

How do you do Mr Tang?

I'm very well thankyou.
Nice to meet you Ms Chan.

Sam says let me introduce you to someone. This is a very useful phrase. Practise saying it after Sam:

Let me introduce you to someone.

When Sam introduces Lin, he has four pieces of information. Listen carefully to what they are:

This is Victor Tang – he’s the regional rep. for OceanWide.

This is Lin Chan, my sales manager.

Did you hear the four parts of Sam's introduction?

First, he told Lin Victor's full name. Second, he told her what Victor's position was and his company name. Third, he introduced Lin using her full name, and finally he told Victor what Lin's job was. This way both Victor and Lin know enough about each other to start a conversation. When introducing people at a function, it's important to try to make them feel comfortable.

Finally, listen again to how Lin and Victor greet each other:

How do you do Mr Tang?

I'm very well thankyou.
Nice to meet you Ms Chan.

And you.

Lin uses the phrase how do you do. Practise this phrase:

How do you do?
I'm very well thankyou.

How do you do is another formal phrase for introductions. Victor replies with a formal phrase too I'm very well thankyou. Practise this after Lin's question.

How do you do Mr Tang?
I'm very well thankyou.

If someone says How do you do? or How are you? we usually say I'm very well thankyou. And we could ask them how they are, by saying How do you do? or How are you?

Let's review some of the phrases we've learnt today, for introducing yourself and other people. Practise the phrases with our characters Sam, Victor and Lin.

Hello, I don't think we've met.

And what company are you from?

Let me introduce you to someone.

This is Lin Chan, my sales manager.

Pleased to meet you.

Who do you work for?

Please call me Victor.

I'm very well thankyou.

How do you do Mr Tang?

Nice to meet you.

Remember, when meeting people, tell them something about yourself before being asked.

When you ask people questions about themselves in English, use a falling tone - it sounds friendlier. Instead of Who do you work for? (upward inflection)
Who do you work for? (downward inflection)

And when introducing a colleague, or someone you've met, use the full names of both people, and their positions.

And that's all for today on The Business of English. I'll see you next time.